35572, Houston, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 35572, Houston, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.71 percent of the residents in 35572 has some form of health insurance. 28.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.37 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 35572 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 126 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35572. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 347 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 55 health care providers accessible to residents in 35572, Houston, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35572 & Primary Care in Houston

This analysis examines the landscape of COPD care within ZIP code 35572 and primary care availability in Houston, considering factors crucial for patient well-being, including physician access, technological integration, and mental health support. We will assess these areas to provide a comprehensive “COPD Score” analysis, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The analysis will not be scored, but instead provide a qualitative assessment of the factors.

**ZIP Code 35572: A Focused Look**

ZIP code 35572, likely a rural or suburban area, requires a specific focus. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of effective COPD management. In this region, we need to understand the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and increased hospitalizations. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting better access, is a positive indicator. The analysis should identify the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and estimate the patient population. This will provide a basic understanding of accessibility.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Are the existing PCPs experienced in COPD management? Do they regularly update their knowledge and skills through continuing medical education? This includes understanding the latest guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. The analysis should explore the prevalence of pulmonologists or specialists in the immediate vicinity. Proximity to specialized care is vital, as COPD often requires the expertise of pulmonary specialists for complex cases and advanced treatment options.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Does the area have reliable internet connectivity? Are PCPs utilizing telehealth for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas, allowing them to receive timely care without the burden of travel. The analysis should investigate the availability and utilization of telehealth services within the ZIP code.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis needs to identify the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community. Are these professionals integrated into the primary care practices? Do they collaborate with PCPs to provide comprehensive care? The presence of support groups and educational programs for COPD patients and their families is also a positive indicator.

**Primary Care Availability in Houston: A Broader Perspective**

Houston, a major metropolitan area, presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. The sheer size of the city, coupled with its diverse population, requires a nuanced approach to assessing primary care availability. The analysis should start with a city-wide physician-to-patient ratio. This provides a general overview of access. However, this city-wide number can be misleading.

The analysis needs to drill down to specific areas within Houston, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and geographical location. Are there underserved communities with limited access to primary care? Are there disparities in care based on race or income? The analysis should identify areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations and assess the availability of PCPs in those areas.

The presence of large healthcare systems and academic medical centers in Houston is a significant advantage. These institutions often have a greater capacity to provide comprehensive COPD care, including access to specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and research opportunities. The analysis should identify the major healthcare providers in the city and assess their COPD-specific resources, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs and smoking cessation services.

Telemedicine adoption is likely more prevalent in Houston than in a rural area like 35572. The analysis should investigate the extent of telehealth utilization among primary care practices in Houston. Are telehealth platforms integrated into the patient care workflows? Are patients and physicians satisfied with the use of telehealth?

Mental health resources are critical in a large city like Houston. The analysis should assess the availability of mental health professionals and support services. Are there integrated behavioral health programs within primary care practices? Are there community-based mental health resources available to COPD patients?

**Standout Practices and Considerations**

The analysis should identify standout primary care practices in both areas. These practices may excel in specific areas, such as patient education, chronic disease management, or telehealth adoption. Identifying these practices can provide insights into best practices and serve as models for other providers.

For ZIP code 35572, the analysis might highlight practices that have successfully integrated telehealth into their workflow, improving access for patients in a geographically isolated area. For Houston, the analysis might focus on practices that have developed innovative models of care, such as integrated behavioral health programs or patient-centered medical homes.

The analysis should also consider the role of community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). These centers often serve vulnerable populations and provide comprehensive care, including COPD management. The analysis should assess the availability and quality of care provided by these centers.

**Conclusion**

This COPD score analysis, though not providing a numerical score, offers a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities in COPD care within ZIP code 35572 and Houston. It highlights the importance of physician access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

To further explore the geographical distribution of primary care physicians, healthcare resources, and patient populations, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.